Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has defended his team’s conduct at the World Cup, insisting they “represented the team in the best possible way” despite the violent scenes that marred their final defeat by Spain.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey on Sunday, in a match overshadowed by Fernandez’s late red card and a mass brawl at the final whistle involving players and staff from both sides.
Fernandez, who was dismissed for two yellow cards – the first for dissent towards Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic and the second for a reckless challenge that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi spinning into the air – did not mention his sending-off in a social media statement.
“As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” the Chelsea midfielder wrote.
“For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.
“It has been a privilege to be part of a group that always stepped up, competed at the highest level, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment.”
Fifa opens investigation into post-match clashes
The final ended in chaos as Argentina players and backroom staff clashed with celebrating Spain players, in scenes broadcast worldwide.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to review the incident. Any player or coach found responsible could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association also risks a financial penalty.
Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to be involved. Paredes was seen pushing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat.
Spain midfielder Gavi attempted to break up the fracas but was forced to the ground by Almada, before Paredes shoved Gavi to the turf with his hand in the Spaniard’s face.
Ayala then appeared to hold Garcia around the throat before seemingly striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Messi message and speculation over ‘last match’
Questions are also being asked about what happened before kick-off amid widespread speculation over an emotional Argentina dressing-room address.
Rumours have circulated on social media suggesting Lionel Messi may have told team-mates the final would be his last match for the national side, although this has not been confirmed.
The debate intensified after Argentine broadcaster RLC Noticias posted video footage that appeared to show Messi attempting to calm the squad on their walk to the tunnel, urging them to focus on the game and “forget about everything else”.
In the footage, which has not been verified by the BBC, Messi is heard saying: “Let’s go, boys, [let’s keep] calm people, calm. The main thing is for us to remain calm, boys, that we remain calm.
“Let’s just concentrate on playing, nothing else – calm, OK? Forget everything else.
“Let’s just play, let’s just concentrate on playing. Let’s go.”
‘Disgusting behaviour’ – reaction from England greats
Former England internationals strongly condemned Argentina’s conduct after the final whistle.
Ex-England captain Alan Shearer said: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.
“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart added: “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behaviour.”
Scaloni: ‘We must be gracious in defeat’
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to lower the temperature in his post-match comments.
He said: “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.
“We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
Argentina, world champions in 1978, 1986 and 2022, had won all seven of their matches in North America before the final, beating Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England.
They mounted a late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0, and in the semi-final against England they overturned a 1-0 deficit, with Fernandez scoring and Lautaro Martinez heading a late winner in a 2-1 victory.
End of an era for Argentina?
Several Argentine media outlets have described the defeat as the end of a cycle, with Scaloni’s future uncertain and 37-year-old Messi – who was in tears at full-time – unlikely to appear at another World Cup.
“The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things,” Messi wrote on social media.
Despite the heartbreak, thousands of fans lined the streets of Buenos Aires to welcome the squad home in an open-top bus parade.
Scaloni and 16 of his 26 players returned to Argentina, receiving a red-carpet reception and military band honours at Ezeiza International Airport.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made 11 saves in the final, was among those to travel, but Messi did not join the homecoming, instead flying back to Miami, where he plays his club football for Inter Miami.
